Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 Images Leak Ahead Of Early October Launch

[Blackfire]

Rumblings started back in June that Microsoft had some new hardware planned for 2019. Some were surprised when Microsoft sent out invites earlier this month to a hardware event that is suggested to be for the unveiling of new Surface hardware. One of the devices expected at that hardware event scheduled for October 2 is the Microsoft Surface Laptop 2. Ahead of that event, a slew of images has leaked that claim to be of the new laptop in its various colors.

The colors seen in the images include a new black laptop that reportedly replaces the Graphite Gold version offered last year. Other colors include Cobalt Blue, Burgundy, and Platinum. As for hardware expected in the machine the same screen as last year is rumored, a 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display with a native resolution of 2256x1504 and 3:2 aspect ratio

The keyboard will still be covered in Alcantara fabric with a large touchpad underneath, and most of the ports are still on the left side of the machine. Those connectivity options include a USB 3.0 Type-A port, mini DisplayPort, 3.5mm headphone port, and a Surface Connect port. The machine is expected to be Surface Dial compatible and to have a Windows Hello webcam. On the audio front, the machine is expected to get Dolby Audio Premium speakers and stereo microphones.

The updates are expected to be newer 8th gen Intel Core processors and maybe more storage. No other major changes to the device are expected. The higher-end Surface Laptop 2 devices were tipped to take advantage of Whiskey Lake Intel CPUs in Core i5 and Core i7 flavors. Whiskey Lakechips happen to be facing a shortage right now severe enough to slow laptop shipments to the point that DRAM prices are being driven down. An oversupply of DRAM pushing prices down is something that is good for consumers. If Microsoft does add Whiskey Lake parts, expect to see those models hit with shipping delays early on.

As for what else to expect at the hardware event, the Surface Pro is expected to get an update. A mystery device called Andromeda might launch, something Microsoft has promised will "create a truly personal and versatile computing experience." Andromeda is expected to be a new computing form factor that is pocketable that Microsoft and its partners will build.